Read More

Blue Peter had as many as eight million viewers an episode at one time and received 1,000 letters a day from viewers who were after the coveted Blue Peter Badge.

Among the most memorable moments were John Noakes dropping his trousers to reveal bobsleigh bruises and his wife's underwear, Noakes scaling Nelson’s Column with no protective clothing and an incontinent elephant called Lulu.

Blue Peter in 1998 with Simon Groom and Sarah Greene with dog Goldie and cats Jack and Jill (Image: BBC)

Mark Frith, editor of Radio Times, said: "British TV produces the best programmes for children in the world – reading our list produces the most wonderful, warm memories."

Sixteen of the top 20 shows were broadcast in the 80s – making it the golden decade for children's television.